Apparatus for collecting and extracting furnace fumes

ABSTRACT

A furnace, adapted to produce molten metal in a melting chamber thereof, is pivotally mounted on a stationary support. A fume collector, having an opening formed therethrough to facilitate charging of the chamber, is fixedly mounted on the furnace. A generally annular collecting chamber is defined in the collector to circumvent such opening. The upper end of a first conduit is pivotally mounted on the collector and communicates with the collecting chamber whereas the lower end of the first conduit is mounted on the end of a stationary second conduit and communicates therewith to extract the fumes.

Nell

nited State s atent [191 V [in a 3,822,872 July 9, 1974 APPARATUS FOR COLLECTING AND EXTRACTING FURNACE FUMES Donald C. F. Nell, 207 Schramm Dr., Pekin, Ill. 61554 Filed: Apr. 16, 1973 Appl. No.: 351,194

Inventor:

US. Cl. 266/19, 266/24, 98/115 FV Int. Cl C2lc 5/38 Field of Search 266/15, 16, 17,19, 35,

266/36 P; 98/115 R, 115 FV References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 12/1968 Scheel 98/115 R 9/1971 Greenspan 266/15 9/1973 Overmyer et a]. 266/35 Primary ExaminerGerald A. Dost Attorney, Agent, or FirmPhillips, Moore, Weissenberger, Lempio & Strabala [5 7] ABSTRACT A furnace, adapted to produce molten metal in a melt ing chamber thereof, is pivotally mounted on a stationary support. A fume collector, having an opening formed therethrough to facilitate charging of the chamber, is fixedly mounted on the furnace. A generally annular collecting chamber is defined in the collector to circumvent such opening. The upper end of a first conduit is pivotally mounted on the collector and communicates with the collecting chamber whereas 'the lower end of the first conduit is mounted on the end of a stationary second conduit and communicates therewith to extract the fumes.

20 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures employed to charge the furnace.

ApnARATus o 'c'oLLEenNG'ANn "EXTRACTING FURNACE-FUMES 4 of such hoods are "disclosed in -U.S.' Pat. Nos. 3,372,523; 3,453,369; 3,482,827, and 3,539,692;

I The'hoods are .normally moved aside from the sta- 'tionary or. pivotally mounted furnace during. various phases of the foundry operation. Such. movement thus prevents the hood from fully entrapping the fumes emanating from, the furnace. In addition, the hoods are normally bulky and oftentimes tend to interfere with CffiClCIlt operation ofoverhead c SUMMARY OFTHIS INVENTION ranes or like devices An objectofthisinventionis to'overcome' the above, v

,briefiyde'seribed problemsby providing an economical and,,,non-complex apparatus for efficiently collecting and: extracting furne's emanating; from the melting chamber ofajfurnace. The chamberis defined in'a vessel which is pivotally mounted on a supportand a fume collector ismountedon the vesseLThej collector has a generally-annular collecting means Qde'fined therein :to substantially circumvent an :opening formedthrough the collector. A,firstc onduit has one end pivotallymounted on-the collector and a second end mounted on a stationary second conduit. Means are provided for permitting the'vessel. to pivotu while simultaneously maintaining the first'conduits communication with the collector andthe'secondconduit. v In the preferred embodiment of this invention, a cover ismovably mounted on the collector to selectively cover the opening formed therethroughln addi;

tion, the collector'may comprise a pair-of vertically spaced plates having annular portionsdetach'ably mounted thereon and defining-the collectors opening.

Circumferentiaily disposed flow guide meansareat- 'tached between the annular portions.

:BRIEF. DESCRIPTION OF THE paAwlNos r Other objects of this invention will become apparent I from "the following description and accompanying drawings wherein: 1 I

FIG. 1 is an isometric view illustrating an apparatus forcollecting and extracting gaseous fumes emanating from the melting chamber of a tiltable furnace; and

FIGS. 2 and 3 are reduced sidefland rear elevational views of the apparatus, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION I FIG.Clillustrates a furnace of the basic electric type,

particularly adapted for making iron and steel. The fur-' nace comprises a vessel 10 having a melting chamber 11 defined therein which may be suitably lined with a basic refractory and heated by graphite electrodes or the like (notshown). The chamber terminates at its upper endat an opening 12 which may be charged with selected scrap and pig iron for the production of deoxidized carbon and alloy steels. which are thereafter tapped, killed and 'teerned into ingot moldsin a conventionalmanner."

The vessel V H 4 trated stationary support "13 by pivot means comprising ,a pair of laterally spaced and axially alignedtrunnions The collector comprises upperand flower ?parallel p'lates*22 securedtogether about a substantial, portion of their perimeters" by -a vertically'disposed' outer wall mounted oin'j a: t-sall ms.

14, secured to the vessel. The horizontally disposed support is secured to a floor 15 of a foundry andi's constructed to permit tilting of the vessel about axis A of the trunnions and to its phantom-line position illustrated in-FIG. 2. Upon such tilting, molten metalis disfront side of the vessel.

pensed from a pour spout 16, formed integraliy o n a i The vessel has a laterally extending chargingfldeck 1 7 secured thereto, in substantial horizontal alignment with'support 13,-which pivotally mounts a cover- 18- thereon. Thecover is pivotally mounted on an upstandvingsupportlSl, secured'to the deck,-;for pivotalmove- 'ments'abo'ut a vertically disposed axis B;- The cover is adapted ;to be pivoted by a suitable drive mechanism (not shown) disposed in support 19 toselectively cover jopeningfl2." Such a covering position is illustrated in FIGL 3 wherein an annular clearance 20 of limited heightis defined between the underside of the cover and the'top side of a collector 21 for purposes hereinaf- 23. The vertically spaced plates and ve rtically disposed wall 'definef a" generally annular collecting' means; 'or

chamber 24 which-circumvents opening 12 td chamber 11. A plurality of upstanding and annular'flow" guide means or spacers 25 are secured between annular portions 26 of plates'22 which'define a'circular charging opening 27'therethrough to expose chamber 11. .The cylindrical spacers are circumferentially disposed about the opening to define a. restricted flow passage 28 between each adjacent pair of spacers:

' Plates 22- and, wall 23 are' interrupted at an opening 29 formed 1 through their front sides toipermit pour spout 16 to project theretlirOughQ-AnnuIar portions 26 of the plates are, pre'fe rabl'y" 'detachably mounted thereon. Suchy portions, lpreferably composed of- -.a highly -heat r'esistant'material such as stainless steel,

7 maybe removed to facilitate servicing of [the spacers connected therebetween. r v v "A manifold '30 is secured to lower plate 22 and terminates at an upwardly facing inletopening 31 which communicates with collecting chamber 24.- Conduit means'32 communicate with the collecting chamber,

via an outlet of thefmanifold, toconduct fumes exteriiorly of the apparatus for scavenging purposes. The conduit means comprises a first conduit or duct 33 having its upper end pivotally mounted at 34 on manifold 30 for pivotal movement about a horizontally disposed axis C spaced laterally from axis. AQ

The lower end of the first conduit means is pivotally I mounted at 35 on an end of a stationary second conduit orduct 36 for pivotal movement about a horizontally disposed axis D, parallel to axis C. The first conduit may comprise a first section'37 having a second section I 38. slidably mounted thereinv to provide means for per mitting the first conduit to continuously maintain communication with manifold 30 and thus collection chamber 24 'upon tilting of vessel 10 and collector 21. The i tolerances defined between the two-telescopic sections are suitably sized to provide a static seal therebetweendue to the relativelyhigh velocity of the exiting gases. I

Second conduit 36 has a conventional damper means, schematically illustrated at 39, operatively mounted therein to selectively control the cross sectional area of its flow passage. A suction fan means, schematically illustrated at 40 and positioned downstream of the damper means, functions to draw the fumes through the conduit means and into a scavenging system (not shown).

In operation, a factory crane or the like initially positions a charging bucket over opening 27 of the collector to charge chamber 11 with suitably composed scrap and pig iron. During such a charging phase of the foundry operation, damper 39 is actuated to fully open the flow passage of second conduit 36 to permit maximum fume extraction from melting chamber 11. Spacers 25 may be selectively spaced circumferentially to in turn vary the size of passages 28 relative to each other. Such variance will permit the integrated flow passages in collecting chamber 24, manifold 30 and conduit means 32 to be suitably sized and otherwise constructed to provide substantially uniform and nonturbulent flow (minimal frictional drag and pressure drops) therethrough upon extraction of the fumes during all phases of the foundry operation.

Cover 18 is then pivoted over opening 27 and the contents of vessel are heated to their proper melt temperature. Simultaneously therewith, damper 39 is actuated to restrict the size of the flow passage in second conduit means 36 to conserve heat in the vessel. It should be noted, however, that a limited volume of ambient air is permitted to flow into the vessel and collecting chamber through annular clearance (FIG. 3) and pour spout 16.

During the pouring phase of operation, cover 18 is maintained over opening 27 and damper 39 is actuated to its fully open position to insure maximum flow of the fumes through the conduit means. As shown by the phantom line illustrations in FIG. 2, a hydraulic actuator 41, pivotally mounted between the floor l5 and the deck 17 secured to the vessel 10, is then extended to simultaneously tilt vessel 10, cover 18, and collector 21 on trunnions 14 to dispense the melt through pour spout l6 and into suitably positioned ingot molds (not shown). During such tilting, sections 37 and 38 of the first conduit will telescope within each other, as further illustrated by phantom lines in FIG. 2.

Alternative means may be employed for maintaining the first conduit in continuous communication with the manifold and collecting means upon tilting of the vessel. For example, first conduit means 33 could be reconstructed as a one-piece duct. Such reconstruction would require a repositioning of manifold 30-and pivotal connection 34 to place axes A and C in coincident relationship relative to each other. Thus, the unitary first conduit would remain in its original position upon tilting of the vessel and manifold. In addition, pivotal connection 35 would not be required between the first and second conduit means. In addition, a second conduit means 32 and attendant hardware could be operatively connected to the collector on the opposite side thereof or at any other suitable location therearound.

What is claimed is:

I. An apparatus comprising a vessel defining a melting chamber therein which terminates at an opening at its upper end,

a horizontally disposed collector mounted on said vessel including a pair of vertically spaced plates each having an annular portion detachably mounted thereon and an opening formed through each of said annular portions communicating with the opening to said chamber,

pivot means pivotally mounting said vessel and said collector on said support,

generally annular collecting means defined in said collector to at least substantially circumvent the opening formed therethrough,

conduit means communicating with said collecting means for conducting fumes exteriorly of said collector comprising a first conduit pivotally mounted on said collector and communicating with said collecting means and a stationary second conduit connected directly to said first conduit and communicating therewith, and

means, including the pivotal mount of said first conduit on said collector, for maintaining said first conduit in continuous communication with said collecting means and said second conduit upon pivoting of said vessel and said collector.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a horizontally disposed cover movably mounted on said collector to selectively cover the opening formed therethrough.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said pair of vertically spaced and horizontally disposed plates are secured together about a substantial portion of their perimeters by an upstanding sidewall to define said collecting means.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising a plurality of flow guide means secured between said plates and circumferentially disposed about the opening formed through said collector means to define a flow passage communicating said chamber with said collecting means between each adjacent pair of flow guide means.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said flow guide means each comprises a cylindrical spacer.

6. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein each of said flow guide means are attached between said annular portions.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a manifold secured on said collector and having an inlet communicating with said collecting means and an outlet communicating with said first conduit.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the pivot axis for said pivot means is spaced laterally from the pivot axis at the pivotal mounting of said first conduit on said collector.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for maintaining said first conduit in continuous communication with said collecting means and with said second conduit further comprises a telescopic connection between first and second sections of said first conduit and a pivotal connection between said first and second conduits.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising damper means operatively mounted in a fiow passage of said second conduit for selectively controlling the cross sectional area of said flow passage.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising suction fan. means positioned downstream of said damper means in said flow passage.

12. An apparatus comprising a vessel defining a melting chamber therein which terminates at an opening at its upper end,

a horizontally disposed collector including a pair of vertically spaced plates mounted on said vessel, an annular portion detachably mounted on each of said plates, means forming an opening formed through each of said annular portions communicating with the opening to said chamber, and generally annular collecting means defined in said collector to at least substantially circumvent the opening formed through said annular portions.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 further comprising a plurality of flow guide means secured between said ann'ular portions in circumferentially disposed relationship therearound to define a flow passage between each adjacent pair of flow guide means communicating said chamber with said collecting means.

14. The apparatus of claim 12 further comprising a horizontally disposed cover movably mounted on said collector to selectively cover the opening formed there-. through.

15. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said collector comprises a pair of vertically spaced and horizontally disposed plates secured together about a substantial portion of their perimeters by an upstanding sidewall to define said collecting means.

16. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said flow guide means each comprises a cylindrical spacer.

17. The apparatus of claim 12 further comprising conduit means communicating with said collecting means for conducting fumes exteriorly of said collec- I01.

18. The apparatus of claim 17 further comprising a manifold secured on said collector and having an inlet communicating with said collecting-means and an outlet communicating with said conduit means.

19. The apparatus of claim 17 further comprising damper means operatively mounted in a flow passage of said conduit means for selectively controlling the cross sectional area of said flow passage.

20. The apparatus of claim 19 further comprising suction fan means positioned downstream of said damper means in said flow passage.

FRINTER'S TRIM L Patent No. 12 2 7 Dated July 9, l97 4 DONALD 0.1x NELL Inventor(s) It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

The assignee of this Patent is:

CATERPILLAR TRACTOR 00., Peoria, Illinois Signed and sealed this 12th day of November 1974.

(SEAL) Attest:

C. MARSHALL DANN Commissioner of Patents McCOY M. GIBSON JR. Attesting Officer ORM PO-1050 (10-69) COMM-DC 60376-P69 Hi5. GOVERNMENT an... 

1. An apparatus comprising a vessel defining a melting chamber therein which terminates at an opening at its upper end, a horizontally disposed collector mounted on said vessel including a pair of vertically spaced plates each having an annular portion detachably mounted thereon and an opening formed through each of said annular portions communicating with the opening to said chamber, pivot means pivotally mounting said vessel and said collector on said support, generally annular collecting means defined in said collector to at least substantially circumvent the opening formed therethrough, conduit means communicating with said collecting means for conducting fumes exteriorly of said collector comprising a first conduit pivotally mounted on said collector and communicating with said collecting means and a stationary second conduit connected directly to said first conduit and communicating therewith, and means, including the pivotal mount of said first conduit on said collector, for maintaining said first conduit in continuous communication with said collecting means and said second conduit upon pivoting of said vessel and said collector.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a horizontAlly disposed cover movably mounted on said collector to selectively cover the opening formed therethrough.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said pair of vertically spaced and horizontally disposed plates are secured together about a substantial portion of their perimeters by an upstanding sidewall to define said collecting means.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising a plurality of flow guide means secured between said plates and circumferentially disposed about the opening formed through said collector means to define a flow passage communicating said chamber with said collecting means between each adjacent pair of flow guide means.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said flow guide means each comprises a cylindrical spacer.
 6. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein each of said flow guide means are attached between said annular portions.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a manifold secured on said collector and having an inlet communicating with said collecting means and an outlet communicating with said first conduit.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the pivot axis for said pivot means is spaced laterally from the pivot axis at the pivotal mounting of said first conduit on said collector.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for maintaining said first conduit in continuous communication with said collecting means and with said second conduit further comprises a telescopic connection between first and second sections of said first conduit and a pivotal connection between said first and second conduits.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising damper means operatively mounted in a flow passage of said second conduit for selectively controlling the cross sectional area of said flow passage.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising suction fan means positioned downstream of said damper means in said flow passage.
 12. An apparatus comprising a vessel defining a melting chamber therein which terminates at an opening at its upper end, a horizontally disposed collector including a pair of vertically spaced plates mounted on said vessel, an annular portion detachably mounted on each of said plates, means forming an opening formed through each of said annular portions communicating with the opening to said chamber, and generally annular collecting means defined in said collector to at least substantially circumvent the opening formed through said annular portions.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12 further comprising a plurality of flow guide means secured between said annular portions in circumferentially disposed relationship therearound to define a flow passage between each adjacent pair of flow guide means communicating said chamber with said collecting means.
 14. The apparatus of claim 12 further comprising a horizontally disposed cover movably mounted on said collector to selectively cover the opening formed therethrough.
 15. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said collector comprises a pair of vertically spaced and horizontally disposed plates secured together about a substantial portion of their perimeters by an upstanding sidewall to define said collecting means.
 16. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said flow guide means each comprises a cylindrical spacer.
 17. The apparatus of claim 12 further comprising conduit means communicating with said collecting means for conducting fumes exteriorly of said collector.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17 further comprising a manifold secured on said collector and having an inlet communicating with said collecting means and an outlet communicating with said conduit means.
 19. The apparatus of claim 17 further comprising damper means operatively mounted in a flow passage of said conduit means for selectively controlling the cross sectional area of said flow passage.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19 further comprising suction fan means positioned downstream of said damper means in said flow passage. 